Top 10 Things to Do in Alice Springs

Located in the centre of Australia, Alice Springs enjoys an almost legendary status. A frontier town surrounded by vast deserts, “Alice” is a complex mix of Aboriginal and European colonial history. The stepping-off point for outback adventures, this cosmopolitan town has become a destination in its own right, with a bustling arts scene, rich cultural life and plenty to do.

Australia.com does not support the internet browser you are using. Please upgrade to a more recent browser so that you can explore the destinations and experiences that await you as you plan your Australian holiday.

The official Australian tourism website. This site uses cookies.Find out more.

Top 10 Things to Do in Alice Springs

Find out the top 10 things to do in Alice Springs that will take you from Galleries to outback experiences of Australia’s Red Centre.

Located in the centre of Australia, Alice Springs enjoys an almost legendary status. A frontier town surrounded by vast deserts, “Alice” is a complex mix of Aboriginal and European colonial history. The stepping-off point for outback adventures, this cosmopolitan town has become a destination in its own right, with a bustling arts scene, rich cultural life and plenty to do.

Helicopter over The Red Centre

Appreciate the grandeur of the Outback with an aerial view. Alice Springs Helicopters offer scenic local tours and aerial adventures to the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru. Among the most popular is “Around the Gaps”, which visits the Larapinta Trail, Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm. You’ll also see wild animals including wallabies, camels and eagles.

Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Alice Springs, NT

Explore the Outback on Foot from Alice Springs

With its flat terrain and compact size, Alice Springs is perfect for walkers. Head off to the historicalTelegraph Station, dating back to 1872, and follow the walking trail from the city. Closer to town are the Olive Pink Botanic Gardens with more than 250 plant species, plus native animals such as the black-footed rock wallaby and western bowerbirds.

Check out Alice Springs’ Reptile Centre

Get close (but not too close) to the world’s most venomous snakes at The Alice Springs Reptile Centreon Stuart Terrace. Alongside deadly taipans, brown snakes and death adders are huge goannas, frilled-neck lizards and desert-dwelling thorny devils. Meet Terry, the saltwater crocodile, handle a python and watch lizards being fed.

Camel Train Tour, Pyndan Camel Tracks, Alice Springs, NT

Ride a Camel through the Desert near Alice Springs

Enjoy spectacular desert views on camel-back. Before rail and road, camels provided the main form of transport in Central Australia. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Alice Springs, Pyndan Camel Tracks offers a half-day trek to Temple Bar Gap. If time is limited, book the one-hour sunset tour, including a drink at the Camel Lounge.

Four Wheel Drive Adventure to the West MacDonnell Ranges

It’s a big country – let someone else drive!Tailormade Tours offers full- and half-day 4WD adventures from Alice Springs. The West MacDonnell Ranges and Desert Park tour includes Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm and other scenic attractions. The company, which has a fleet of modern vehicles, also custom designs small group tours to Uluru, Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges.

Larapinta Trail, Ormiston Gorge, NT

Hike The Larapinta Trail

The Larapinta Trail is one of the most challenging walking trails in the world but there are shorter options. Hit the the 10-kilometre trek from Ormiston Gorge to Finke River, which can easily be completed in a day. The West MacDonnell Ranges offer dramatic vistas, swimming holes and diverse wildlife. Specialist operator Trek Larapinta offers fully escorted walks.

Ride a Bike Down a Mountain near Alice Springs

Tackle the Araluen Mountain Bike Trails – over 15 kilometres of dedicated single mountain bike track set against the West MacDonnell Ranges. Or join one of the regular social rides departing from the Alice Springs Scout Hall on Wednesday nights.

Barn Owl, Alice Springs Desert Park, Alice Springs, NT

Go Birdwatching in the Alice Springs Desert Park

Alice Springs is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with natives everywhere. No-one can visit the desert without hearing the screech of a cockatoo or the melodic call of a pied butcher bird. The diverse landscapes of Central Australia support around 180 bird species, including many species of waterfowl. For an introduction to the wildlife visit nearby Alice Springs Desert Park.

Join the locals at the Sunday Market Day held along Todd Mall. Operating February to December, its stalls offer art, craft and local produce. Many of the cafés along the mall are open and there is colourful live entertainment. The monthly Alice Springs Night Markets run August to November, offering Indigenous art, handmade clothing, souvenirs and amazing multicultural street food.

*Disclaimer: All prices quoted are in Indian Rupees (INR). Tourism Australia is not a travel agent and is not responsible for providing, controlling or facilitating bookings of the offers on the products and services on this page. Such offers, products and services are provided by individual airline operators and are subject to the terms and conditions imposed by those parties. Please visit the airline operator’s website for further information and to avail the offer. Tourism Australia makes no representations or guarantees as to the reliability, currency, accuracy or availability of the information provided on this page. Links to third party sites are for your information only and Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through this website. Tourism Australia does not control these sites nor accept any responsibility for the use of sites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class, quality, service levels, or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.